Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 76757 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76757 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
How do I say no to that? Simple, I don’t. Besides, I don’t want to. I want to spend more time with him and meet the friends who he regards as family. “Okay.”
Blinding. The smile he gives me is blinding, so much so, it makes his dark eyes sparkle. “Okay. Great. I’ll um, I’ll text you the address.” He reaches for his phone, but my hand on his arm stops him.
“I’d like to ride with you. If that’s all right?”
Before I know what’s happening, he slides his hand behind my neck and pulls me close, resting his forehead against mine. “Do you know how bad I want to kiss you right now? It’s been too fucking long since my lips have tasted yours.” His words are a whispered yet throaty growl that causes those damn butterflies to take flight.
“Yo, Baldwin, let’s go!” I hear one of the guys yell, followed by laughter. No doubt they’ve caught up, but I can’t pry myself from Kent’s gaze to check. Not that I care. We’re adults and have nothing to hide.
“I need to go.” Pulling back, he places his lips on my forehead. “Six o’clock, Laney. I’ll be here at six o’clock.”
I nod as my voice doesn’t work. Not when the desire that pools between us is threatening to choke me. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt or been a part of in my lifetime. Sure, I can’t remember the majority of my adult life, but this… these moments with him. They’re moments in time that I will always cherish. No matter if my memory comes back or not. No matter if his story matches up or not. I’ll always have these moments, these feelings to look back on.
* * *
A few hours later, I’m hanging out in the living room, just hoping to catch a glimpse of Kent. I feel like a damn sixteen-year-old. I’m shameless as I sit with my Kindle reading the same damn page over and over and over again. My eyes dart from my screen to the hallway. I’m ashamed to admit my Kindle has shut itself off a couple of times from my lack of page-turning activity.
My phone rings, and I smile when I see a video call from Mom. “Hello,” I answer, holding the phone up to my face.
“Hi, Momma.” My sweet daughter smiles into the phone. “Gram said we’re going on a plane.”
“That’s right. Mommy is in Tennessee, and you and Gram are going to come and stay with me for a few days.”
“Yay. I missed you so so much.”
“I miss you too, baby.” I’m smiling at her, watching her face light up with happiness. That’s the only reason I missed him. It’s not until his shadow stands over me that I look up to find Kent watching me.
His hands are fisted at his sides, and his jaw is clenched. He looks angry, and for the first time through all of this, I put myself in his shoes. If what he says is right, and he’s her father. He’s missed this. He’s missed her smiles and her phone calls. The love yous and the I miss yous. He’s never been witness to a nighttime hug from Kendrix, and let me tell you, her hugs are the best. I don’t blame him for being angry. In fact, I think he’s handled this so much better than I could have imagined.
“What’s that noise?” Kendrix scrunches up her little nose, and I can’t help it, I laugh at her cuteness.
“That’s the construction crew. They’re working on remodeling Great Gram and Gramps’s house.” I’m always honest with her and speak to her as if she’s a little adult. I think it’s because, as an adult, I often feel like a child. With missing parts of my life hanging in the balance, I feel lonely most days and out of control. Kendrix, she’s been my saving grace through all of this, and I never want her to feel less than the incredible woman she can become.
“Oh, can I see?” she asks.
I glance up at Kent and he’s still staring, but he’s not staring at me. He’s staring at the back of my phone. His eyes are transfixed from the sound of what could be his daughter’s voice. I’ve only known him a few days, from my current memories, and I want her to be his. I’m not sure what that says about me.
“Sure, sweetie.” Without warning, I turn the phone so she can see the living room and part of the kitchen that’s been demolished. I don’t stop, letting the phone pass over Kent.
“Hi,” Kendrix says in her chipper voice. “I’m Kendrix, I’m four. What’s your name?” she asks.
My hand freezes as I watch him lay his eyes on her. “H-Hi.” Kent waves to her. “I’m Kent.”
“Hey, your name has Ken in it too. My mommy says my name is really special. She loved it so so much, but it made Grams sad.”